AN EMPLOYMENT scheme has launched in partnership with an Alloa social enterprise to help young people from former mining communities.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) has teamed up with local charity Community Maintenance and Environmental Enterprise (CMEE) to kick-start the Coalfields Employment Initiative.

The latter will be delivering the new project having provided training, work experience, volunteering opportunities as well as affordable gardening, decorating and handyman services since 2004.

Unemployed locals will have the chance to gain paid work experience and valuable qualifications.

Five young people have already started working around the Kincardine area with training operating on a 12-week rolling programme, including a month of volunteering followed by eight weeks of paid work with a minimum of 25 hours a week.

The first four weeks are done on a voluntary basis, allowing those taking part to take on new challenges and tasks without the risk of losing current benefits.

Jane McTaggart, operations manager at CMEE, said: “We’re excited about the launch of the Coalfields Employment Initiative which will see us work with people from a diverse range of backgrounds to help them take on new challenges and gain the confidence and skills to help them find sustainable employment.

“This is another example of the type of initiatives we are involved in to increase employment around the area.”

Nicky Wilson, CRT trustee, added: “It’s great to partner with CMEE to launch such a worthwhile initiative that tackles barriers to employment that can face residents in coalfields areas.

“We’re confident that this new project will help people into work.”